Exploding Gas Pumps: Not just a rumor
By Chardon Firefighter Bob Painter
In recent time, there have been numerous national reports
about static charges causing explosions at gas service station
pumps. Most of these were due to a phenomenon by which a small static
charge sparks from the person pumping gas to the nozzle, igniting the fumes near the filler hole.
These reports are unfortunate, but very true. (See pictures below)
The problem occurs when a person becomes charged with
static electricity, usually from the rubbing that occurs between their seat and
their clothing, as they get out to pump gas. Most instances occur when the
person has already started the pumping process and decides to get back in their
vehicle for money, to get warm, or check on a child. With gas fumes coming
out of the nozzle hole, if the person does not "ground" themselves by
touching a metal object (such as the pump) thereby eliminating the charge, they
are "live". When they go to grab the nozzle to remove it... POW,
an explosion and flash fire develops.
The same problem can occur when a person attempts to fill
a gas can which is not placed on the round. This is true of any type of
can (plastic, metal, etc.). ALWAYS place the gas can on the ground when
filling it.
Cellular phones are a very controversial issue related to
the gasoline/static issue. Presently, there are no DOCUMENTED cases of a
cell phone causing a gasoline pump explosion, but it could conceivable
happen. The reason for this is that cell phones are not
"intrinsically safe", meaning they are not certified for use in
explosive environments. No firefighter would ever think of keying the
microphone on his/her radio in an explosive environment (and our radios ARE
intrinsically safe!). If you search the web, you'll see alot listed as to
the fact that this is a hoax. Do you want to be the one to test the
theory? Not a wise idea.
We strongly encourage our website readers to take heed of
this static charge warning: Stay at the nozzle when pumping gas, DO NOT get back in your vehicle while pumping gas,
DO NOT smoke near a gas station ... EVER, and DO
NOT take any electronic device near the pump that is not intrinsically safe
(that means most of them). The results can be
horrific.
For more information on the issue of flash fires at gas
pumps, go to the links below:
http://www.pei.org/static/
http://www.sema.state.mo.us/static%20car%20fires02.pdf
http://www.pei.org/static/
-Bob
Painter, Firefighter, Chardon Fire Department
Did you change your battery in
your smoke detector when you changed your clock?
